Choosing the Company You Keep

All of Allah’s messengers had the same message of Islam – Adam, Noah, Ibrahim, Moses, David, Jesus, Muhammad, peace be upon them all, are among those mentioned in the Qur’an.

In Surah Al-Ma’idah (5 The Table Spread), Allah declares,  “This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islâm as your religion.” (5:3)

To make this guidance applicable, Allah’s final messenger Muhammad ﷺ advised to be careful who you follow, be careful who you spend time with, be careful who you listen to and be careful what you listen to. Because you will end up following the ways of the people you hang out with, including in speech, dress, actions and even thoughts. 

Everyone is born Muslim and indeed it is those we surround ourselves with who influence our actions. As Muslims, it’s important to share Islam with those you share time with. Be strong in your faith and be careful not to follow ways which go against Islam’s guidance of peace. 

In Surah Al-Furqan (25 The Criterion) ayat 27 – 29, Allah shares the plight of those who had the opportunity to embrace Islam and then, when it’s too late, they will ask themselves why they didn’t follow Allah’s final messenger ﷺ. They will regret instead having spent time in poor company which has bankrupted an eternity promising peace. 

Ustadh Michael Wolfender shares the story behind these ayat, of a man who accepted Islam and then recanted this based on who he hung out with. 

From this, we learn our purpose in this life is to earn the Pleasure of Allah, do good deeds, make good decisions. A way towards this is to seek to be among those who are connected to Allah.